A Scary Good Time

(Photo above: Group of employees at the Haunted Farm of Terror for 2009. Photo courtesy of Adam Green.)

LENOX, Mich. - With September coming to a close, and October on the horizon, there is one thing that will be on everyone's mind.

What to do for Halloween.

And a typical quiet night in Lenox, a small town home to just more than 8,000, just might have an answer.

It dates back to the 1800s, when Lenox was simply known as Williamsburg. During that time, according to legend, Williamsburg had fallen victim to a harsh plague that afflicted all of the townspeople. One by one the people started to die off, and the town started to fall into the abyss.

That is before the town’s undertaker, Lazarus, tried to save the forsaken people in any way he could.

He performed countless experiments, used the holy power of the church, and even sought out black magic of witches in order to save his town.

And Lazarus was successful; the people of Williamsburg were no longer dead.

They were no longer alive either - or so the story goes

Nearly 200 years later, what's left of Williamsburg is rumored to be tucked away in the woods of Lenox, hidden from the outside world.

Luckily, once a year a group of brave employees assemble the Haunted Farm of Terror, and in the spirit of Halloween, are eager to put the rumors of Williamsburg to rest. They offer a tour of the town, taking you on a hayride right through the heart of Lazarus's home. The faint sounds of screams and chainsaws revving can be heard before even on the ride.

The haunted hayride is just one of the many things offered, as the farm and tons of other haunted attractions celebrate there opening weekends with a fair well to fall.

“We offer a whole nights worth of entertainment; theirs the hayride, the (haunted) house, bonfires, movies playing on big screens, food.” said Adam Green, a coordinator for the haunted hayride. “What else are you going to do, sit in a bar?”

One of the most frightening aspects of these haunted houses and hayrides are the prices, averaging around $20 per person. Though most offer group rates and discounts, which are typically available online and in local area newspapers. A good amount of the proceeds do get reinvested back into the rides and houses, as they improve more and more each year.

“This is our third year, and it's by far the best,” said a grinning Steve Smith, fresh of the hayride with his wife Jennifer. “They added some new stuff which was cool, and the people out in the woods are really good.” Smith said.

Another group of young women had voices so hoarse from screaming that they weren't available for comment. Though there comment would have been pretty self-explanatory.

People of all ages can find some enjoyment at these once-a-year fear festivals. While not everyone may get scared, there can certainly be some fun laughing at those around who are.

Just try and make it out alive.

Haunted Farm of Terror

Michigan Haunted Houses